Apparatus and method for effecting sound stage expansion

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels includes: (a) A first signal source coupled for providing at least one first signal representing a first sound channel to at least one first input locus of a first amplifying unit. The first amplifying unit participates in presenting the first sound channel. (b) A second signal source coupled for providing at least one second signal representing a second sound channel to at least one second input locus of a second amplifying unit. The second amplifying unit participates in presenting the second sound channel. (c) At least one first filter unit coupling the first signal source with at least one of the at least one second input locus. (d) At least one second filter unit coupling the second signal source with at least one of the at least one first input locus.

This application claims benefit of prior filed copending Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/676,167, filed Apr. 28, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to audio systems, and especially to audio systems presenting two sound channels. By way of example and not by way of limitation, such two-channel sound systems may include systems commonly know as stereo audio systems or stereophonic audio systems.

The stereo sound stage of a stereo audio system may be regarded as the apparent physical separation between two speakers in the stereo audio system. The sound stage of a stereo audio system is generally reflective of the physical size of the embodiment of the system. By way of example and not by way of limitation small, compact stereo recording playback systems, mobile telephone systems, portable sound playback systems and other similar systems all suffer from a generally small perceived sound stage. A manifestation of such a limitation is a perception by a user of a reduced separation of audio playback channels (e.g., right channel and left channel) during presentation of a stereo audio output.

It is known that subtracting some of a right channel signal from a left channel signal while subtracting some of a left channel signal from a right channel signal can expand the perceived sound stage outside the actual physical separation of the audio output units (e.g., loudspeakers) of a stereo audio system. This system handling approach may be referred to as “cross differencing”. Low-frequency acoustic signals behave substantially like general pressure changes in a typical room or space and are generally non-directional. It is common practice among audio system designers to provide for the cross signals to be filtered so that they are significantly reduced at lower frequencies (e.g., below 400 Hertz; Hz) so as to prevent cancellation of bass sound reproduction in the audio system.

Sound stage expansion techniques may be used in connection with video imaging, but voices may be perceived as being displaced from their sources. Such a result may prove to be confusing to viewers, so care must be exercised in employing a sound stage expansion system in connection with video systems.

Sound stage expanding techniques are intended to make an existing stereo sound stage seem wider than the actual physical span of the speakers producing the stereo sound presentation. However, sound stage expansion techniques are generally not themselves a creator of a stereo audio effect. Prior art employments of sound stage expansion have produced a significant variation of center audio images in comparison with left side and right side signals. This variation of center audio images is commonly manifested in voices and instruments being decreased in volume generally at center-stage as compared with left and right audio signals. A result is that listeners have difficulty in overlooking the center audio image variance and the effect of the sound stage expansion is not fully perceived as listeners are distracted by relatively louder left and right output signals compared to output signals appearing at the center. Prior art sound expansion apparatuses have not provided a means for adjusting center stage audio image or volume. Some prior art employments have also produced substantial increases in high frequency components of left and right output signals, or treble boost. As a result, listeners may be distracted by the treble boost and so do not fully perceive the effect of a sound stage expansion. Prior art sound stage expansion apparatuses have not provided a means of controlling treble boost.

There is a need for an apparatus and method for effecting sound stage expansion that permits mitigating of center audio image variation and controls treble boost in sound presentation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels includes: (a) A first signal source coupled for providing at least one first signal representing a first sound channel to at least one first input locus of a first amplifying unit. The first amplifying unit participates in presenting the first sound channel. (b) A second signal source coupled for providing at least one second signal representing a second sound channel to at least one second input locus of a second amplifying unit. The second amplifying unit participates in presenting the second sound channel. (c) At least one first filter unit coupling the first signal source with at least one of the at least one second input locus. (d) At least one second filter unit coupling the second signal source with at least one of the at least one first input locus.

A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels includes the steps of: (a) In no particular order: (1) providing a first signal source; (2) providing a second signal source; (3) providing a first amplifying unit coupled for participating in the presenting of a first sound channel of the two sound channels; and (4) providing a second amplifying unit coupled for participating in the presenting of a second sound channel of the two sound channels. (B) In no particular order: (1) coupling the first signal source for providing at least one first signal representing the first sound channel to at least one first input locus of the first amplifying unit; and (2) coupling the second signal source for providing at least one second signal representing the second sound channel to at least one second input locus of the second amplifying unit. (C) In no particular order: (1) providing at least one first filter unit coupling the first signal source with at least one of the at least one second input locus; and (2) providing at least one second filter unit coupling the second signal source with at least one of the at least one first input locus. (D) Operating the at least one first signal source to provide the at least one first signal to the at least one first input locus of the first amplifying unit and to the at least one first filter unit; and operating the at least one second source to provide the at least one second signal to the at least one second input locus of the second amplifying unit and to the at least one second filter unit.

It is, therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for effecting sound stage expansion that permits mitigating of center audio image variation and controls treble boost in sound presentation.

Further objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following specification and claims when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are labeled using like reference numerals in the various figures, illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an electrical schematic diagram of a prior art apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion.

FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion configured according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an apparatus using fully differential signaling to effect sound stage expansion configured according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an apparatus using fully differential signaling to effect sound stage expansion configured according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “locus” is intended herein to indicate a place, location, locality, locale, point, position, site, spot, volume, juncture, junction or other identifiable location-related zone in one or more dimensions. A locus in a physical apparatus may include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a corner, intersection, curve, line, area, plane, volume or a portion of any of those features. A locus in an electrical apparatus may include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a terminal, wire, circuit, circuit trace, circuit board, wiring board, pin, connector, component, collection of components, sub-component or other identifiable location-related area in one or more dimensions. A locus in a flow chart may include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a juncture, step, site, function, query, response or other aspect, step, increment or an interstice between junctures, steps, sites, functions, queries, responses or other aspects of the flow or method represented by the chart.

FIG. 1 is an electrical schematic diagram of a prior art apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion. In FIG. 1, a stereo audio sound stage expansion apparatus 10 includes a left amplifier unit 12 and a right amplifier unit 14. Left amplifier unit 12 has a non-inverting input locus 20, an inverting input locus 22 and an output locus 24. A left signal providing unit 16 has a positive locus 17 and a negative locus 19. Positive locus 17 is coupled with non-inverting input locus 20. Negative locus 19 is coupled with a ground locus 25. A feedback network 30 including resistors R₁, R₂ couples output locus 24 with inverting locus 22, negative locus 19 and ground locus 25. Right amplifier unit 14 has a non-inverting input locus 40, an inverting input locus 42 and an output locus 44. A right signal providing unit 36 has a positive locus 37 and a negative locus 39. Positive locus 37 is coupled with non-inverting input locus 40. Negative locus 39 is coupled with a ground locus 25. A feedback network 50 including resistors R₃, R₄ couples output locus 44 with inverting locus 42, negative locus 39 and ground locus 25. A cross differencing network 52 including cross differencing capacitor Cc and cross differencing resistor Rc couples a node or locus 46 between resistors R₁, R₂ with a node or locus 48 between resistors R₃, R₄.

In operation, amplifier unit 12 will force left feedback voltage VL_(f) at inverting input locus 22 to equal left input voltage VL_(i) from left signal providing unit 16. This in effect applies an inverted left input voltage VL_(i) to output locus 44 via cross differencing network 52 and inverting input locus 42 of right amplifier unit 14. The result is a reducing of right output voltage VR_(o) at output locus 44 by an amount related with an inverted left input signal VL_(i). Similarly, amplifier unit 14 will force right feedback voltage VR_(f) at inverting input locus 42 to equal right input voltage VR_(i) from right signal providing unit 36. This in effect applies an inverted right input voltage VR_(i) to output locus 24 via cross differencing network 52 and inverting input locus 22 of left amplifier unit 12. The result is a reducing of left output voltage VL_(o) at output locus 24 by an amount related with an inverted right input signal VR_(i). This cross differencing signal effects sound stage expansion using apparatus 10. However, cross differencing network 52 has a deleterious effect in that it increases gain for both of amplifier units 12, 14 above its characteristic frequency f_(c): $\begin{matrix} {f_{c} = \frac{1}{2\pi\quad R_{c}C_{c}}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack \end{matrix}$

-   -   Where,         -   R_(c) is the value of resistor R_(c) in network 52; and         -   C_(c) is the value of capacitor C_(c) in network 52.

Increasing gain for amplifier units 12, 14 at frequencies higher than characteristic frequency f_(c) is manifested as increased volume for higher frequency signals, such as treble audio output signals. As mentioned earlier herein, such variation of treble signals is distracting to listeners. The effect of the sound stage expansion is not fully perceived as listeners concentrate on louder treble signals to the left and right. Sound stage expansion apparatus 10 does not provide a means for adjusting high frequency response or center stage audio image or volume.

FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion configured according to the teachings of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a stereo audio sound stage expansion apparatus 60 includes a left amplifier unit 62 and a right amplifier unit 64. Each of amplifier units 62, 64 has a differential input and a single-ended output. Left amplifier unit 62 has a non-inverting input locus 70, an inverting input locus 72 and an output locus 74. Right amplifier unit 64 has a non-inverting input locus 80, an inverting input locus 82 and an output locus 84. A left signal providing unit 66 has a positive locus 67 and a negative locus 69. Positive locus 67 is coupled with inverting input locus 72 via a capacitor Cc₁ and a resistor RL₃. Positive locus 67 is also coupled with non-inverting locus 80 via a cross differencing filter unit 90 including capacitor Cc₁ and a resistor RR₄. Negative locus 69 is coupled with a ground locus 75. A right signal providing unit 96 has a positive locus 97 and a negative locus 99. Positive locus 97 is coupled with inverting input locus 82 via a capacitor Cc₂ and a resistor RR₃. Positive locus 97 is also coupled with non-inverting locus 70 via a cross differencing filter unit 92 including capacitor Cc₂ and a resistor RL₄. Negative locus 99 is coupled with ground locus 75. A feedback network 100 including resistors RL₁, RL₂ couples output locus 74 with inverting locus 72 and positive locus 67. A feedback network 102 including resistors RR₁, RR₂ couples output locus 84 with inverting locus 82 and positive locus 97. A network 104 including resistors R_(bias1), R_(bias2) couples non-inverting input loci 70, 80 with ground locus 75.

Apparatus 60 avoids increasing perceived center treble signals as occurred in prior art apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) because network 104 is not coupled to participate in either of feedback networks 100, 102 and therefore does not affect gain of either of amplifier units 62, 64. Apparatus 60 effects cross differencing in order to realize sound stage expansion via cross differencing filter units 90, 92. Cross differencing connection is effected so that a portion of right channel input signal VR_(i) from right signal providing unit 96 is applied to non-inverting input 70 to subtract that cross difference connected right signal portion from output signal VL_(o). Cross differencing connection is also effected so that a portion of left channel input signal VL_(i) from left signal providing unit 66 is applied to non-inverting input 80 to subtract that cross difference connected left signal portion from output signal VR_(o).

Cross differencing filter units 90, 92 permit adjustment of center audio image presented by apparatus 60. Changing values of capacitors Cc₁, Cc₂ or resistors RL₄, RR₄ can alter the center image presented by apparatus 60 to a significant degree. Filter circuitry established by capacitor Cc₁ with resistor RL₃ and established by capacitor Cc₂ with resistor RR₃ may also be altered to adjust sound stage extension performance of apparatus 60.

Mathematical explanations describing sound stage expansion are available. An intuitive explanation suffices for purposes of describing the present invention: inverted cross signals of a particular frequency that emanate from one side of a system negate or cancel out a direct signal of the particular frequency from the opposite side of the system, thereby causing the brain of a listener to infer that the direct signal is further away than it actually is.

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an apparatus using fully differential signaling to effect sound stage expansion configured according to the teachings of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a stereo audio sound stage expansion apparatus 160 includes a left amplifier unit 162 and a right amplifier unit 164. Each of amplifier units 162, 164 has a differential input and a differential output. Left amplifier unit 162 has a non-inverting input locus 170, an inverting input locus 172 and output loci 174, 176. Sound stage expansion apparatus 160 is configured for fully differential signal operation so that left amplifier unit 162 presents a differential output signal so that output signal +VL_(o) is presented at output locus 174 and output signal −VL_(o) is presented at output locus 176. Output signals +VL_(o), −VL_(o) are preferably fully differential output signals so that they are substantially equal in amplitude and opposite in phase with respect to each other. Right amplifier unit 164 has a non-inverting input locus 180, an inverting input locus 182 and output loci 184, 186. Sound stage expansion apparatus 160 is configured for fully differential signal operation so that right amplifier unit 164 presents a differential output signal so that output signal +VR_(o) is presented at output locus 184 and output signal −VR_(o) is presented at output locus 186. Output signals +VR_(o), −VR_(o) are preferably fully differential output signals so that they are substantially equal in amplitude and opposite in phase with respect to each other.

A left signal providing unit 166 has a positive locus 167 and a negative locus 169. Positive locus 167 is coupled to provide an input signal +VL_(i) at an input locus 400. Negative locus 169 is coupled to provide an input signal −VL_(i) at an input locus 402. Input signals +VL_(i), −VL_(i) are fully differential input signals so that input signal +VL_(i) may be regarded as a primary signal and input signal −VL_(i) may be regarded as an anti-primary signal so that input signals +VL_(i), −VL_(i) are substantially equal in amplitude and opposite in phase with respect to each other.

Input signal +VL_(i) is provided from input locus 400 to non-inverting input locus 170 via a first filter unit 290 including a capacitor Cc₁ and a resistor RL₃. Input signal +VL_(i) is provided from input locus 400 to inverting input locus 182 via a second filter unit 292 including capacitor Cc₁ and a cross differencing resistor RRc₁. Input signal −VL_(i) is provided from input locus 402 to inverting input locus 172 via a third filter unit 294 including a capacitor Cc₂ and a resistor RL₆. Input signal −VL_(i) is provided from input locus 402 to non-inverting input locus 180 via a fourth filter unit 296 including capacitor Cc₂ and a cross differencing resistor RRc₂.

A right signal providing unit 196 has a positive locus 197 and a negative locus 199. Positive locus 197 is coupled to provide an input signal +VR_(i) at an input locus 404. Negative locus 199 is coupled to provide an input signal −VR_(i) at an input locus 406. Input signals +VR_(i), −VR_(i) are fully differential input signals so that input signal +VR_(i) may be regarded as a primary signal and input signal −VR_(i) may be regarded as an anti-primary signal so that input signals +VR_(i), −VR_(i) are substantially equal in amplitude and opposite in phase with respect to each other.

Input signal +VR_(i) is provided from input locus 404 to non-inverting input locus 180 via a fifth filter unit 298 including a capacitor Cc₃ and a resistor RR₆. Input signal +VR_(i) is provided from input locus 404 to inverting input locus 172 via a sixth filter unit 300 including capacitor Cc₃ and a cross differencing resistor RLc₂. Input signal −VL_(i) is provided from input locus 406 to inverting input locus 182 via a seventh filter unit 302 including a capacitor Cc₄ and a resistor RR₃. Input signal −VL_(i) is provided from input locus 406 to non-inverting input locus 170 via an eighth filter unit 304 including capacitor Cc₄ and a cross differencing resistor RLc₁.

A feedback network 200 including resistors RL₁, RL₂ couples output locus 176 with non-inverting locus 170 and positive locus 167. A feedback network 202 including resistors RL₃, RL₄ couples output locus 174 with inverting locus 172 and negative locus 169. A feedback network 204 including resistors RR₄, RR₅ couples output locus 186 with non-inverting locus 180 and positive locus 197. A network 206 including resistors RR₁, RR₂ couples output locus 184 with inverting locus 182 and negative locus 199.

Cross differencing filter units 292, 296, 300, 304 permit adjustment of center audio image presented by apparatus 160. Changing values of capacitors Cc₁, Cc₂, Cc₃, Cc₄ or resistors RLc₁, RLc₂, RRLc₁, RRc₂ can alter the center image presented by apparatus 160 to a significant degree. Filter units 290, 294, 298, 302 established by capacitors may also be adjusted by changing values of capacitors Cc₁, Cc₂, Cc₃, Cc₄ or resistors RL₃, RL₆, RR₃, RR₆ to alter sound stage extension performance of apparatus 160.

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an apparatus using fully differential signaling to effect sound stage expansion configured according to the teachings of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a stereo audio sound stage expansion apparatus 161 is coupled to receive input signal from an input device 660 at input loci 400, 402, 404, 406. Stereo audio sound stage expansion apparatus 161 is substantially the same as apparatus 160 described in connection with FIG. 3 except that apparatus 161 receives input signals from an input device 660 rather than receiving input signals directly from signal providing units (e.g., signal providing units 166, 196; FIG. 3). In order to avoid prolixity, a detailed description of apparatus 161 will not be provided here. One may refer to the description of apparatus 160 (FIG. 3) for an understanding of the structure and operation of apparatus 161.

Input device 660 includes a left amplifier unit 662 and a right amplifier unit 664. Left amplifier unit 662 has a non-inverting input locus 670, an inverting input locus 672 and output loci 674, 676. Input device 660 is configured for fully differential signal operation so that left amplifier unit 662 presents a differential output signal so that output signal +VL₁ is presented at output locus 674 and output signal −VL₁ is presented at output locus 676. Output signals +VL₁, −VL₁ are preferably fully differential output signals so that they are substantially equal in amplitude and opposite in phase with respect to each other. Output signal +VL₁ is provided to input locus 400 of sound stage expansion apparatus 161. Output signal −VL₁ is provided to input locus 402 of sound stage expansion apparatus 161. Right amplifier unit 664 has a non-inverting input locus 680, an inverting input locus 682 and output loci 684, 686. Input device 660 is configured for fully differential signal operation so that right amplifier unit 664 presents a differential output signal so that output signal +VR₁ is presented at output locus 684 and output signal −VR₁ is presented at output locus 686. Output signals +VR₁, −VR₁ are preferably fully differential output signals so that they are substantially equal in amplitude and opposite in phase with respect to each other. Output signal +VR₁ is provided to input locus 404 of sound stage expansion apparatus 161. Output signal −VR₁ is provided to input locus 406 of sound stage expansion apparatus 161.

A left signal providing unit 666 has a positive locus 667 and a negative locus 669. Positive locus 667 is coupled to provide an input signal +VL_(i) to non-inverting input locus 670 via a resistor RL_(i1). Negative locus 669 is coupled to provide an input signal −VL_(i) to inverting input locus 672 via a resistor RL_(i3). Input signals +VL_(i), VR_(i) are illustrated in FIG. 4 as being differential signals. Alternatively, input signals +VL_(i), VR_(i) may be presented as single-ended signals and, if so presented, input signals +VL_(i), VR_(i) may be converted to differential signals at input loci 400, 402, 404, 406, as may be understood by one skilled in the art of audio circuit design.

A feedback network 700 including resistors RL_(i1), RL_(i2) couples output locus 674 with non-inverting locus 670 and positive locus 667. A feedback network 702 including resistors RL_(i3), RL_(i4) couples output locus 676 with inverting locus 672 and negative locus 669. A feedback network 704 including resistors RR_(i1), RR_(i2) couples output locus 684 with non-inverting locus 680 and positive locus 697. A network 706 including resistors RR_(i3), RR_(i4) couples output locus 686 with inverting locus 682 and negative locus 699.

Input signals +VL₁, −VL₁, +VR₁, −VR₁, are provided from input loci 400, 402, 404, 406 for use by sound stage expansion apparatus 161 substantially as described with respect to signals arriving at loci 400, 402, 404, 406 in apparatus 160 (FIG. 3).

FIG. 4 illustrates that the apparatus of the present invention may be employed with originating signal providing units (e.g., signal providing units 166, 196; FIG. 3) or may be employed to effect sound stage expansion for a sound presenting unit such as a stereo amplifying unit (e.g., input device 660; FIG. 4). Signals provided to the apparatus of the present invention, therefore, may be already amplified signals, or filtered signals or amplified and filtered signals. Signals provided to the apparatus of the present invention may have already been subjected to sound expansion treatment. Said another way, the apparatus of the present invention may be embodied in original equipment integrally included in an audio system. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may be employed as an additional, add-on or after market module receiving output signals from an audio system and effecting sound stage expansion with regard to those output signals received from the audio system.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention. In FIG. 5, a method 800 for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels begins at a START locus 802. Method 800 continues with the step of, in no particular order: (1) providing a first signal source, as indicated by a block 804; (2) providing a second signal source, as indicated by a block 806; (3) providing a first amplifying unit coupled for participating in the presenting of a first sound channel of the two sound channels, as indicated by a block 808; and (4) providing a second amplifying unit coupled for participating in the presenting of a second sound channel of the two sound channels, as indicated by a block 810.

Method 800 continues with the step of, in no particular order: (1) coupling the first signal source for providing at least one first signal representing the first sound channel to at least one first input locus of the first amplifying unit, as indicated by a block 812; and (2) coupling the second signal source for providing at least one second signal representing the second sound channel to at least one second input locus of the second amplifying unit, as indicated by a block 814.

Method 800 continues with the step of, in no particular order: (1) providing at least one first filter unit coupling the first signal source with at least one of the at least one second input locus, as indicated by a block 816; and (2) providing at least one second filter unit coupling the second signal source with at least one of the at least one first input locus, as indicated by a block 818.

Method 800 continues with the step of operating the at least one first signal source to provide the at least one first signal to the at least one first input locus of the first amplifying unit and to the at least one first filter unit; and operating the at least one second source to provide the at least one second signal to the at least one second input locus of the second amplifying unit and to the at least one second filter unit, as indicated by a block 820. Method 800 terminates at an END locus 222.

It is to be understood that, while the detailed drawings and specific examples given describe preferred embodiments of the invention, they are for the purpose of illustration only, that the apparatus and method of the invention are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed and that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined by the following claim: 

1. An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels; the apparatus comprising: (a) a first signal source coupled for providing at least one first signal representing a first sound channel of said two sound channels to at least one first input locus of a first amplifying unit; said first amplifying unit participating in said presenting of said first sound channel; (b) a second signal source coupled for providing at least one second signal representing a second sound channel of said two sound channels to at least one second input locus of a second amplifying unit; said second amplifying unit participating in said presenting of said second sound channel; (c) at least one first filter unit coupling said first signal source with at least one of said at least one second input locus; and (d) at least one second filter unit coupling said second signal source with at least one of said at least one first input locus.
 2. An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least one first filter unit and each of said at least one second filter unit includes at least one capacitive unit coupled with at least one resistive unit.
 3. An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one first input locus includes a first inverting input locus and a first non-inverting input locus, and wherein said at least one second input locus includes a second inverting input locus and a second non-inverting input locus; said at least one first filter unit coupling said first signal source with said first inverting input locus and coupling said first signal source with said second non-inverting input locus; said at least one second filter unit coupling said second signal source with said second inverting input locus and coupling said second signal source with said first non-inverting input locus.
 4. An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 1 wherein said first signal source is a differential signal source; said at least one first signal including a first primary signal and a first anti-primary signal; said first anti-primary signal being substantially equal in amplitude and substantially opposite in phase with respect to said first primary signal; and wherein said second signal source is a differential signal source; said at least one second signal including a second primary signal and a second anti-primary signal; said second anti-primary signal being substantially equal in amplitude and substantially opposite in phase with respect to said second primary signal.
 5. An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 4 wherein each of said at least one first filter unit and each of said at least one second filter unit includes at least one capacitive unit coupled with at least one resistive unit.
 6. An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one first input locus includes a first inverting input locus and a first non-inverting input locus, and wherein said at least one second input locus includes a second inverting input locus and a second non-inverting input locus; one first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first primary signal with said first non-inverting input locus and with said second inverting input locus; another first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first anti-primary signal with said first inverting input locus and with said second non-inverting input locus; one second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second primary signal with said second non-inverting input locus and with said first inverting input locus; another second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second anti-primary signal with said second inverting input locus and with said first non-inverting input locus.
 7. An apparatus for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 5 wherein said at least one first input locus includes a first inverting input locus and a first non-inverting input locus, and wherein said at least one second input locus includes a second inverting input locus and a second non-inverting input locus; one first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first primary signal with said first non-inverting input locus and with said second inverting input locus; another first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first anti-primary signal with said first inverting input locus and with said second non-inverting input locus; one second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second primary signal with said second non-inverting input locus and with said first inverting input locus; another second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second anti-primary signal with said second inverting input locus and with said first non-inverting input locus.
 8. An apparatus for expanding sound stage representation of an audio system presenting two sound channels; the apparatus comprising: (a) a first amplifier unit having a first inverting input locus, a first non-inverting input locus and a first output locus; said first output locus participating in said presenting; (b) a second amplifier unit having a second inverting input locus, a second non-inverting input locus and a second output locus; said second output locus participating in said presenting; (c) a right channel signal source coupled for providing a first right channel signal and a second right channel signal to said first amplifier unit; one right channel signal of said first and second right channel signals being provided to said first inverting input locus; an other right channel signal of said first and second right channel signals being provided to said first non-inverting input locus; (d) a left channel signal source coupled for providing a first left channel signal and a second left channel signal to said second amplifier unit; one of said first and second left channel signals being provided to said second inverting input locus; an other one of said first and second left channel signals being provided to said second non-inverting input locus; (e) a first filter unit coupled for providing filtered said one right channel signal to said second non-inverting input locus; (f) a second filter unit coupled for providing filtered said other right channel signal to said second inverting input locus; (g) a third filter unit coupled for providing filtered said one left channel signal to said first non-inverting input locus; and (h) a fourth filter unit coupled for providing filtered said other left channel signal to said first inverting input locus.
 9. An apparatus for expanding sound stage representation of an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 8 wherein said first and second right channels are provided as substantially fully differential signals; and wherein said first and second left channels are provided as substantially fully differential signals.
 10. An apparatus for expanding sound stage representation of an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 8 wherein at least one selected filter unit of said first filter unit, said second filter unit, said third filter unit and said fourth filter unit includes at least one capacitive unit coupled with at least one resistive unit.
 11. An apparatus for expanding sound stage representation of an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 9 wherein at least one selected filter unit of said first filter unit, said second filter unit, said third filter unit and said fourth filter unit includes at least one capacitive unit coupled with at least one resistive unit.
 12. A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels; the method comprising the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) providing a first signal source; (2) providing a second signal source; (3) providing a first amplifying unit coupled for participating in said presenting of a first sound channel of said two sound channels; and (4) providing a second amplifying unit coupled for participating in said presenting of a second sound channel of said two sound channels; (b) in no particular order: (1) coupling said first signal source for providing at least one first signal representing said first sound channel to at least one first input locus of said first amplifying unit; and (2) coupling said second signal source for providing at least one second signal representing said second sound channel to at least one second input locus of said second amplifying unit; (c) in no particular order: (1) providing at least one first filter unit coupling said first signal source with at least one of said at least one second input locus; and (2) providing at least one second filter unit coupling said second signal source with at least one of said at least one first input locus; and (d) operating said at least one first signal source to provide said at least one first signal to said at least one first input locus of said first amplifying unit and to said at least one first filter unit; and operating said at least one second source to provide said at least one second signal to said at least one second input locus of said second amplifying unit and to said at least one second filter unit.
 13. A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 12 wherein each of said at least one first filter unit and each of said at least one second filter unit includes at least one capacitive unit coupled with at least one resistive unit.
 14. A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 12 wherein said at least one first input locus includes a first inverting input locus and a first non-inverting input locus, and wherein said at least one second input locus includes a second inverting input locus and a second non-inverting input locus; said at least one first filter unit coupling said first signal source with said first inverting input locus and coupling said first signal source with said second non-inverting input locus; said at least one second filter unit coupling said second signal source with said second inverting input locus and coupling said second signal source with said first non-inverting input locus.
 15. A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 12 wherein said first signal source is a differential signal source; said at least one first signal including a first primary signal and a first anti-primary signal; said first anti-primary signal being substantially equal in amplitude and substantially opposite in phase with respect to said first primary signal; and wherein said second signal source is a differential signal source; said at least one second signal including a second primary signal and a second anti-primary signal; said second anti-primary signal being substantially equal in amplitude and substantially opposite in phase with respect to said second primary signal.
 16. A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 15 wherein each of said at least one first filter unit and each of said at least one second filter unit includes at least one capacitive unit coupled with at least one resistive unit.
 17. A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 15 wherein said at least one first input locus includes a first inverting input locus and a first non-inverting input locus, and wherein said at least one second input locus includes a second inverting input locus and a second non-inverting input locus; one first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first primary signal with said first non-inverting input locus and with said second inverting input locus; another first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first anti-primary signal with said first inverting input locus and with said second non-inverting input locus; one second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second primary signal with said second non-inverting input locus and with said first inverting input locus; another second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second anti-primary signal with said second inverting input locus and with said first non-inverting input locus.
 18. A method for effecting sound stage expansion in an audio system presenting two sound channels as recited in claim 16 wherein said at least one first input locus includes a first inverting input locus and a first non-inverting input locus, and wherein said at least one second input locus includes a second inverting input locus and a second non-inverting input locus; one first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first primary signal with said first non-inverting input locus and with said second inverting input locus; another first filter unit of said at least one first filter unit coupling said first anti-primary signal with said first inverting input locus and with said second non-inverting input locus; one second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second primary signal with said second non-inverting input locus and with said first inverting input locus; another second filter unit of said at least one second filter unit coupling said second anti-primary signal with said second inverting input locus and with said first non-inverting input locus. 